GAO Examines ISAM’s User Uptake Challenges
The government could require future satellites to be ready for servicing or in-space refueling missions as a way to help the fledgling ISAM industry, according to a GAO report released Thursday.
ISAM
Stories about missions to service and assemble spacecraft in orbit, in addition to in-space manufacturing capabilities.
Northrop Grumman Brings the Gig Economy to GEO
Northrop Grumman’s Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) will wear a lot of hats in orbit, from gas station attendant and mechanic to orbital taxi and Airbnb host.
Otter Pup 2 Expected to Launch on Docking Mission in June
Starfish will launch its second Otter Pup demo mission next month—a key step to prove out the startup’s RPO tech in orbit ahead of a trio of missions in 2026.
Astroscale, Orbit Fab Pair to Gas Up DoD
The first US military satellite launched in 1958. The first one that will be able to fly longer than a single tank of fuel will launch next year.
The State of ISAM 2025
ISAM is a bit like three kids in a trench coat trying to pass as a single individual—fittingly, no one part is mature enough to stand on its own.
Space Forge Secures UK License for ISAM Flight
The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority has given the go ahead for Welsh ISAM startup to fly its first in-space manufacturing satellite—ForgeStar-1.
D-Orbit, Eutelsat Partner on GEO In-Orbit Servicing Mission
In the mission, called RISE, a servicing vehicle built by D-Orbit will attach to one of Eutelsat’s geostationary satellites to hone the tech for in-orbit repair, relocation, attitude control, and end-of-life disposal.
Astroscale, BAE Systems Team On ISAM Demo By 2030
In the mission, an Astroscale servicer will upgrade a client satellite made by BAE Systems to prolong its life.
True Anomaly Catches Firefly For Space Force RPO Launch
True Anomaly is building a spacecraft for VICTUS HAZE.
Slingshot Tracks Centaur Break-Up in HEO
The second stage of a ULA rocket that sent a NOAA weather satellite to orbit in 2018 broke apart dramatically in orbit last week, generating a debris cloud first tracked by Slingshot Aerospace.
Outpost’s Carryall is Big Enough for Multiple Contracts
Outpost won a $36M in recent contracts from the US military to develop its technology for hypersonic testing, reentry missions, and on orbit cargo storage.
Star Catcher Closes $12.25M Seed Round
The startup intends to build a constellation of satellites in LEO that can harness solar power and efficiently send it to other sats in greater concentrations.